Common Sense Media Review
By Lien Murakami
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
CGI adaptation with mild scares treads too-familiar ground.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Jungle Book
What's the Story?
THE JUNGLE BOOK is an adaptation based on some of the stories told in Rudyard Kipling's classic book. The series revolves around Mowgli (voiced by Emma Tate), a young boy who was raised by wolves after he was separated from his parents. He spends his days learning about the ways of the jungle from his mentors, the panther Bagheera (Sam Gold) and the bear Baloo (Jimmy Hibbert) in the jungles of India and being stalked by the tiger Shere Khan (David Holt), who wishes to get rid of the "man cub."
Is It Any Good?
Most episodes of The Jungle Book involve Shere Khan stalking or plotting against Mowgli and end with Mowgli figuring out a way to defend himself, administering some sort of retribution against the hapless tiger or getting saved by his friends. Additionally, Baloo is often shown attempting to provide Mowgli with some lessons regarding the jungle, but most are either completely disregarded or irrelevant to the episode at hand, leaving the impression that Mowgli isn't really learning anything about the jungle at all.
The show's formulaic structure might make for comfort viewing for kids, but the series doesn't offer much substance beyond that. More sophisticated viewers won't find enough here to keep them interested. With so many options out there, kids can find better ways to spend their cartoon time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about books adapted into movies or TV shows. What are some of your favorite adaptations? What are some of the things that are lost or gained when books are adapted for the screen? What are some books that would make great movies?
How do shows like The Jungle Book teach kids to appreciate literature or lessons about friendship? What are some other lessons that can be learned from TV shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 12, 2010
- Cast : David Holt , Emma Tate , Jimmy Hibbert
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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